A question for published authors

[Ray Dario]

Actually anyone can chime in here, but let's please keep it on topic.

Recently I submitted my first SF&F story to a real life paper publication. It was rejected with a form letter style rejection sheet with the box labeled. "The beginning didn't grab me." checked.

I went back and he was right. The beginning was lame. So I rewrote it. Actually the first third of the story got some modification to make the new beginning work. I also went through and applied what I have learned from William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White. Now it's a much better story. Reading the two versions, I just go wow! I wish I'd done that from the start.

So my question is: Should I re-submit to the same publication or just go to the next one on my list?

Thanks in advance for any help on this.

Ray

 

[Weird Harold]

So my question is: Should I re-submit to the same publication or just go to the next one on my list?

Re-submitting with a note tht it has been rewritten because of their prior rejection can't hurt. If nothing else, it will show that publisher that you're not "over-protective" and can take constructive criticism.

 

[Whispersecret]

Perhaps a query letter would be in order. Remind the editor of your story and their comment about it. Explain that you've rewritten it and ask if you can resubmit. I don't see how that can hurt.

Oh, and enclose a SASE or a SAS postcard for their convenience.

 

[KillerMuffin]

I usually rewrite a little, if at all, and move that story onto the next one on the list. I write a new story applying whatever they've told me. Mine usually say, "It's not what we're looking for at this time. Please try again later!"

Dunno if it's write or wrong, but it's what I do.

 

[Closet Desire]

A note...

...from the other side.

Please remember that many editors are writers as well and, contrary to popular opinion that they breathe fire and have antifreeze for blood, often try to reject a writer in the most gentle way possible. Sometimes this may encourage the writer to resubmit the same story after some editing.

The editor may hate the story but try to pick one thing to reject it on that will not offend or terribly disappoint the writer.

That said, I've had plenty of stories I originally rejected coming back after the author responded to my comments and I've been happy to publish the story.

There's a lot of nuance to the trade so I agree with the earlier posters to attach a note and resubmit. Rather than a new query letter might I suggest a copy of the original with a personal note jotted onto it?

Good luck!

 

[Axeltheswede]

Resubmit question

I agree with Closet Desire. I have had some luck with resubmitting with a note saying I think I got it right.

It seems, many editors are righteous about their "formula" for a piece of fiction. Deviate from that, your story is dead. Show you can deliver within the formula, you are golden.

Good luck with your second try, Ray.

 

[penguindance]

 

[Quasimodem]

If an editor has taken the time to write, there is some reason to resubmit the story, if you have addressed the problem the editor described. Even if the editor only scribbled a few phrases about what needed work, on the edge of your rejection sheet, you have a valid reason for sending it back

When you resubmit the story, remind the editor on your cover sheet, that s/he suggested the revisions you have made on your new version.

Alternately, if the editor just ticked off a check box beside some prepared fault, with no added message, forget it.

Send it on to the next editor.

 

[Closet Desire]

Yea...

...those forms with check boxes are a real drag. Gotten more than a few of those.

 

[TheEarl]

Submitting it again can't hurt. The worst that can happen is you'll get it back with another note. If you don't try you'll never succeed, etc.

I agree with Quasimodem, if the story sucked beyond repair, the editor wouldn't have written a note telling you how to improve it. Try again and good luck.

The Earl

 

[Axeltheswede]

Publishing question

Ray, this sounds like the story you mentioned before. You put a lot of sweat into it. And, if I'm not mistaken, you had a specific publication in mind. If this is true, and the same story, you owe it to yourself to resubmit.

If you get another "check off form" let us know. Maybe someone lives next door to the editor. A little slap upside the head might be in order.

 

[Ray Dario]

Guys thanks for all the great feedback on this. I am going to send it back to the same publication. He responded quickly (just under 4 weeks) so as many of you have said, what can it hurt. If it gets another form letter then I'll move on.

Thanks again, to everyone!

Ray